How to see the Perseid Meteor Shower

The Perseids are a meteor shower that occurs each year in August. This year the moon sets early and will not interfere. The shower peaks around a central date, but you can see meteors any night of the year. Here's how to increase your chances of seeing one:

Dark Skies:

If you are in a city, it will be difficult to see all but the brightest meteors. If you can, get away from city lights. For those who live in rural areas, you are in luck.

If you are near your house, turn off any outside lights.

An Unobstructed View:

You want to see as much of the sky as possible while meteor hunting. Find a place where the view is not blocked by tall buildings, trees, and other obstructions.

Patience:

The great thing about a meteor shower is a telescope or binoculars are not needed. The meteors happen so quickly they are gone before you could get one into view.

What is needed is patience. The best thing to get is a lawn chair, or any way of sitting back a bit so you can watch as much of the sky as possible.

Let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Meteors are fast. They usually last less than one second.

Perseid meteors can be seen all night long, but the later in the evening, the better your chances of seeing one. As the night goes on, up until dawn, chances of seeing a meteor increase.

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